Windows VM scripts

[Schinken6]

Hello,
I am quite new to this whole self hosting thing and was just searching for a windows VM script but couldn't find one. Is there a reason there is no script for it like for not being open source or hate against Windows in general?

[alexanderjerome]

The lack of Windows scripts is mostly due to licensing issues. Microsoft doesn't provide permanent download URLs for Windows ISOs, and automating Windows installations can be legally tricky.

That said, it's totally possible to make a script work with user-provided ISOs. You could have a script that sets up the VM parameters (q35, UEFI, TPM), handles VirtIO drivers, and even helps with answer files for unattended installation. The user would just need to bring their own Windows media.

Just my thoughts on why it's not in there yet - might be worth exploring if people are interested in it.

[Schinken6]

Thanks for the reply. That could totally work.
I noticed that too. When you download the Windows 11 ISO. Windows states that the link for downloading is only valid for 24 hours. So you would have to make a script somehow to automate the process of recreating the link or as you said just let the user predownload it and point the automation script to the ISO.
I noticed when I downloaded Windows Server 2022 my link from a year ago still worked as I have written it into my documentation.
I am not sure about rules but I can post the link if you are curious.